US20180104558A1

US20180104558A1 - Modular Rotatable Disc-Target for Competitive Games

Info

Publication number: US20180104558A1
Application number: US15/783,956
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Sweeney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-10-13
Filing date: 2017-10-13
Publication date: 2018-04-19

Abstract

A modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games provides an easily dismantling and easily transportable goal that can be reconfigured to increase or decrease the difficulty of a competitive game. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive game has a goal frame, a first goal post, a second goal post, a base frame, and a locking mechanism. Players playing the competitive game attempt to propel a disc-shaped projectile through the goal frame to win the game. The goal frame is rotatably supported on opposite ends by the first goal post and the second goal post. The base frame prevents the goal frame from being displaced from the desired position on the playing field.

Players can choose between different difficulty levels by using the locking mechanism to lock the rotation angle of the goal frame. This makes it more difficult to propel the disc-shaped throwing object past the goal frame.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/407,703 filed on Oct. 13, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games. In particular, a disc-target having a goal frame that is rotatably fastened to a first goal post and a second goal post, provides a reconfigurable and resizable target for a disc-shaped projectile used in a competitive game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many competitive sports popular today involve throwing a projectile object through a goal, whether it is a soccer goal post, a basketball hoop, or a football goal post. This is especially true for sports that utilize a disc-shaped projectile such as a frisbee. In sports using discs, a player's ability to hit a target, such as a goal, over long distances is a central skill. Further, in many cases, the sports may be solely a test of a user's targeting and throwing abilities. Thus, a goal for a disc-shaped projectile capable of testing the user's throwing and targeting abilities may prove to be a very useful tool for casual players and athletes alike.
A versatile goal capable of acting as a target or as a central focal point in a more complicated game however poses many issues. For example, a goal for a game played on a large field must be big enough to be clearly visible over long distances. However, constructing and setting up a large goal is difficult and requires considerable time and effort. The large size also makes it very difficult to transport the goal without completely disassembling it.
Further, the size and shape of many large goals must be fixed to preserve structural integrity of the goal. This limits the versatility of the goal and difficulty level of the competitive game being played. Players need to constantly improve their skills by practicing at varying difficulty levels, so the absence of a reconfigurable feature greatly reduces the desirability of the goal. Thus, a reconfigurable, adjustably-sized goal capable of being easily disassembled and transported is presently not available in the prior arts.
The present invention provides the necessary versatility for aiming disks at a target. The present invention is a modular rotatable target that comprises a rotatable goal frame assembled using interlocking and easily detachable fastening mechanisms. The rotatable goal frame is used to change the aspect ratio of the goal and thus the cross-sectional area of the goal in relation to the players, to make it more difficultly to propel a disc-shaped projectile through the goal. The detachable fastening mechanism allows the goal to be quickly and efficiently dismantled for ease of transport. An alternate embodiment of the present invention may also comprise a tightening mechanism that locks the aspect ratio of the goal frame, and thus the cross-sectional area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing the goal frame in a straight position.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention with the goal frame in the rotated position.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing the goal frame transitioning from a straight to a rotated position.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention showing the goal frame in the straight position.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the goal frame of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the first goal post of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a detail view in FIG. 4, showing the bolt engaged to the threaded insert, wherein the contact end of the bolt is pressing against the first axle.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the second goal post of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a detail view in FIG. 2 showing the bolt being inserted into the threaded insert.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the base frame of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games that allows a player to adjust the size of the target and control the difficulty of propelling a disc-shaped projectile thorough the goal. The competitive game, as herein referred to, may be a sports game utilizing a disc-shaped projectile. For example, the competitive game may be ultimate frisbee. The players, as herein referred to, may be users that are participating in the competitive game. The object of the competitive game may be to score as many goals as possible by making the disc-shaped throwing object travel through the present invention. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As such, the present invention comprises a goal frame 1, a first goal post 2, a second goal post 3, a base frame 4, and a locking mechanism 5. The first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3 suspend the goal frame 1 over the playing field, in clear view of the players. Players attempt to score goals by propelling the disc-shaped through the goal frame 1. As such, the goal frame 1 delineates a target which players try to hit. The base frame 4 affixes the first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3 in an upright position and able to support the goal frame 1. To control the difficulty levels of the competitive game, the locking mechanism 5 allows players to adjust the angle of the goal frame 1 in relation to the playing field. This makes it difficult to get the disc shaped throwing object to travel through the goal frame 1.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the goal frame 1 comprises a rotation axis 11 and a goal passage 12. To score a goal, the player must make the disc shaped throwing object traverse through the goal passage 12. The goal passage 12 is oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis 11. Thus, when the goal frame 1 rotates about the rotation axis 11, the cross-sectional area of the goal passage 12 decreases, thereby making it more difficult for the disc-shaped throwing object to traverse through the goal passage 12. As such, the players can choose to increase or decrease the difficulty level of the competitive game by rotating the goal frame 1 about the rotation axis 11.
FIG. 3 shows the goal frame 1 transitioning between a straight position and a rotated position. To enable rotation about the rotation axis 11, the goal frame 1 is rotatably connected to the first goal post 2. Similarly, the goal frame 1 is also rotatably connected to the second goal post 3. As a result, the goal frame 1 is positioned in between the first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3, thereby raising the goal frame 1 a certain height over the ground. This increases the difficulty level of the competitive game, as well as allows the goal frame 1 to rotate in a full circle without encountering the ground. The base frame 4 is terminally mounted to the first goal post 2 and positioned offset the goal frame 1. Likewise, the base frame 4 is also terminally mounted to the second goal post 3 and positioned offset the goal frame 1. The base frame 4 positions the first goal post 2 coplanar to the second goal post 3 at a fixed offset distance from each other. The locking mechanism 5 is operatively integrated into the rotatable connection between the first goal post 2 and the goal frame 1, wherein the locking mechanism 5 is used to fix an orientation of the goal frame 1 about the rotation axis 11. More specifically, the locking mechanism 5 increases the friction between the goal frame 1 and the first goal post 2, thereby making it more difficult to rotate the goal frame 1 about the rotation axis 11. This allows the goal frame 1 to be held at a constant angular displacement and thus allows the goal passage 12 to be held at a constant-cross sectional area.
As can be seen in FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of the present invention facilitates a modular design which allows the present invention to be disassembled. As such, the goal frame 1 comprises a plurality of members 13 and a plurality of connectors 14. This allows the plurality of members 13 to be configured into a polygonal configuration. Each of the plurality of members 13 is mounted in between a corresponding pair of connectors from the plurality of connectors 14. More specifically, the corresponding pair of connectors is an arbitrary member and an adjacent member. As such, a V-shaped connector from the plurality of connectors 14 connects the arbitrary member at an angle to the adjacent member. More specifically, the V-shaped connector positions the arbitrary member at a 120-degree angle to the adjacent member. The plurality of connectors 14 also comprises a first Y-shaped connector and a second Y-shaped connector. The first Y-shaped connector and the second Y-shaped connector both comprise three pipe sections positioned 120-degree from each other. The first Y-shaped connector connects an arbitrary member to the adjacent member. The first Y-shaped connector then connects the arbitrary member and the adjacent member to the first goal post 2. Similarly, the second Y-shaped connector connects the arbitrary member to the adjacent member. The second Y-shaped connector then connects the arbitrary member and the adjacent member to the second goal post 3.
Each of the plurality of members 13 is preferably a standard dimension ratio (SDR) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe 1-inch in diameter. Each of the plurality of connectors 14 is preferably a PVC coupler with a 1-inch internal diameter capable of receiving a member. Alternately, the plurality of connectors 14 and the plurality of members 13 may be composed of similar rigid and lightweight materials.
Referring back to FIG. 3, during rotation, the portions of the goal frame 1 located farthest away from the rotation axis 11 experiences centrifugal forces that can cause the goal frame 1 to collapse. As such, the connection between the plurality of connectors 14 and the plurality of members 13 must be reinforced. To achieve this, a width of the goal frame 1 is smaller than a width of the base frame 4. As a result, the goal frame 1 is squeezed by the first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3 on opposite ends. This causes the arbitrary member and the adjacent member to be driven further into the corresponding connector, thereby strengthening the connection between the plurality of connectors 14 and the plurality of members 13. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polygonal configuration is a hexagonal shape. The hexagonal shape gives the goal frame 1 a high degree of rigidity while maximizing the area of the goal passage 12. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the polygonal configuration may be any other polygonal shape that achieves the desired structural rigidity and the goal passage 12 area. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the goal frame 1 may be elliptical or circular in shape.
FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 shows the first goal post 2 configured to form a low friction connection with the goal frame 1, which allows the goal frame 1 to rotate. As such, the first goal post 2 comprises a first insertion socket 21. Accordingly, the goal frame 1 comprises a first axle 15 which allows the first insertion socket 21 to rotatably connect to the first Y-shaped connector. Referring more specifically to FIG. 10, the first axle 15 is concentrically positioned about the rotation axis 11. The diameter of the first axle 15 is slightly smaller than that of the first insertion socket 21. This allows the first axle 15 to rotate inside the first insertion socket 21. Thus, the first axle 15 is rotatably engaged into the first insertion socket 21. The preferred first insertion socket 21 is a L-shaped PVC coupler with 1.25-inch internal diameter with a 1.25-inch schedule-40 pipe into one of the openings. The goal frame 1 connects to the first insertion socket 21 via the first Y-shaped connector. The preferred first axle 15 is a 1-inch PVC pipe that is more rigid than the SDR-21 PVC pipe used in the plurality of members 13.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the second goal post 3 comprises a second insertion socket 31. Further, the goal frame 1 comprises a second axle 16. The second axle 16 is concentrically positioned about the rotation axis 11 opposite the first axle 15. This allows the second axle 16 to rotatably engage the second insertion socket 31. Thus, the goal frame 1 is aligned parallel to the ground. Both the first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3 are preferably 1.25-inch schedule-40 pipes. Alternately, the first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3 may be made of similar rigid materials capable of supporting the goal frame 1 without deforming.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, shows the locking mechanism 5 integrated into the rotatable connection between the goal frame 1 and the first goal post 2 to lock the angular position of the goal frame 1. The preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 5 comprises a threaded hole 51 and a bolt 52. The threaded hole 51 laterally traverses into the first insertion socket 21. The threaded hole 51 is fashioned with female threads that interlock with the male threads of the bolt 52. As such, the bolt 52 is engaged through the threaded hole 51. The insertion depth of the bolt 52 is adjusted by rotating the bolt 52 within the threaded hole 51. For example, rotating the bolt 52 clockwise may increase the insertion depth, whereas rotating the bolt 52 counter-clockwise may reduce the insertion depth. A contact end 521 of the bolt 52 is pressed against the first axle 15. The friction generated between the contact end and the first axle 15 can be changed by adjusting the insertion depth of the bolt 52. For example, increasing the insertion depth increases the pressure of the contact end against the first axle 15. This increases the friction between the, which locks the position of the goal frame 1. Alternately, the locking mechanism 5 may also be integrated into the second insertion socket 31.
Referring to FIG. 10, the base frame 4 secures the present invention to the ground. As such, the base frame 4 comprises a first foot 41, a second foot 42, and a crossbar 43. The crossbar 43 transversely connects the first foot 41 to the second foot 42, thus giving the base frame 4 a H-shaped structure. The first foot 41 is positioned adjacent to the first goal post 2. More specifically, a first 4-way coupler connects the first goal post 2 to the first foot 41. Further, the first foot 41 is terminally connected to the crossbar 43. In particular, the first 4-way coupler perpendicularly connects the crossbar 43 to the first foot 41. The second foot 42 is positioned adjacent to the second goal post 3. More specifically, a second 4-way coupler connects the second goal post 3 to the second foot 42. In the preferred embodiment, the 4-way coupler is a PVC coupler. The second foot 42 is also terminally connected to the crossbar 43, opposite the first foot 41. The width of the base frame 4, as described previously, may be defined as the distance from the first foot 41 to the second foot 42 about the crossbar 43. The width is dimensioned to prevent the present invention from tilting in the sideways direction, wherein the sideways direction is parallel to the rotation axis 11. Similarly, the first foot 41 and the second foot 42 work are dimensioned to increases stability in the longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis 11. Thus, this prevents the present invention from tilting forward and backward.
In reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 10, the base frame 4 is designed to penetrate into the ground and affix the present invention to the ground. To achieve this, the first foot 41 and the second foot 42 each comprise an elongated body 411, a first spike 412, and a second spike 413. In particular, first 4-way coupler is mounted to the elongated body 411 of the first foot 41 and the second 4-way coupler is mounted to the elongated body 411 of the second foot 42. The elongated body 411 is connected perpendicular to the crossbar 43. The first spike 412 is terminally connected to the elongated body 411. Similarly, the second spike 413 is terminally connected to the elongated body 411, opposite to the first elongated body 411. The first spike 412 and the second spike 413 are oriented perpendicular to the elongated body 411. Further, the first spike 412 and the second spike 413 being oriented perpendicular to the crossbar 43. Thus, the first spike 412 and the second spike 413 are positioned pointing downwards in relation to the base frame 4. Thus, the first spike 412 and the second spike 413 penetrate the ground and create a physical abutment from prevents the base frame 4 from sliding about the ground.
The preferred elongated body 411 and the crossbar 43 are 1.25-inch SDR-26 PVC pipes. The SDR-26 PVC pipes are lighter and less rigid than the schedule-40 PVC pipes used for the first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3, since the base frame 4 experiences less compression than the first goal post 2 and the second goal post 3. In alternate embodiments, any material capable of providing the required rigidity and weight may be utilized.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games comprises:

a goal frame;

a first goal post;

a second goal post;

a base frame;

a locking mechanism;

the goal frame comprises a rotation axis and a goal passage;

the goal passage being oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis;

the goal frame being rotatably connected to the first goal post;

the goal frame being rotatably connected to the second goal post;

the goal frame being positioned in between the first goal post and the second goal post;

the base frame being terminally mounted to the first goal post, offset the goal frame;

the base frame being terminally mounted to the second goal post, offset the goal frame; and

the locking mechanism being operatively integrated into the rotatable connection between the first goal post and the goal frame, wherein the locking mechanism is used to fix an orientation of the goal frame about the rotation axis.

2. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the goal frame comprises a plurality of members and a plurality of connectors;

the plurality of members being arranged into a polygonal configuration; and

each of the plurality of members being mounted in between a corresponding pair of connectors from the plurality of connectors.

3. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 2, wherein the polygonal configuration is a hexagonal shape.

4. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width of the goal frame is smaller than a width of the base frame.

5. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first goal post comprises a first insertion socket;

the goal frame comprises a first axle;

the first axle being concentrically positioned about the rotation axis; and

the first axle being rotatably engaged into the first insertion socket.

6. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

the locking mechanism comprises a threaded hole and a bolt;

the threaded hole laterally traversing into the first insertion socket;

the bolt being engaged through the threaded hole; and

a contact end of the bolt being pressed against the first axle.

7. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second goal post comprises a second insertion socket;

the goal frame comprises a second axle;

the second axle being concentrically positioned about the rotation axis; and

the second axle being rotatably engaged into the second insertion socket.

8. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the base frame comprises a first foot, a second foot, and a crossbar;

the first foot being positioned adjacent to the first goal post;

the first foot being terminally connected to the crossbar;

the second foot being positioned adjacent to the second goal post; and

the second foot being terminally connected to the crossbar, opposite the first foot.

9. The modular rotatable disc-target for competitive games as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

the first foot and the second foot each comprise an elongated body, a first spike, and a second spike;

the elongated body being connected perpendicular to the crossbar;

the first spike being terminally connected to the elongated body;

the second spike being terminally connected to the elongated body, opposite to the first elongated body;

the first spike and the second spike being oriented perpendicular to the elongated body; and

the first spike and the second spike being oriented perpendicular to the crossbar.